Boss: "We have nothing to lose''

15 August 2013

Bentley looks ahead to Portsmouth

SHRIMPS' boss Jim Bentley says the pressure is off his side as they travel to Portsmouth on Saturday.

The Shrimps meet the recent FA Cup winners for the first ever time at Fratton Park this weekend with both sides still looking for their first league wins of the season and on one point. Pompey were many people's pre season title favourites but an opening day 4-1 thrashing by Oxford was a stark reminder that life will not be easy in League 2.

With an entirely new squad Bentley feels playing Pompey early in the season is a bonus.

He said: “They have got a good squad together and have the potential to be one of the best sides in League 2. But they are still relatively new to each other and although it is a massive game and a massive test it could be a good time to play them.

“No-one really gives us a chance, little old Morecambe going to Portsmouth, so the pressure’s off in many ways which could benefit our players.”

Bentley is hoping that Kevin Ellison and Marcus Marshall (both hamstring) Chris McCready (ankle), and Robbie Threlfall (thigh) will be available to travel.